About The Grapevine

I never dreamed I would become a floral designer and business owner, but I always knew I would turn my creativity into a living. My teenage years were spent working in a small decor shop called The Grapevine here in Clarenville in the 90’s. Under the guidance of the shops owner, Ruby, I found a place where I belonged, and a place that nurtured my creative side.

After that little shop that I loved so much closed, I moved into the paramedicine sector but longed for a change. So at the age of 26, with no prior business ownership experience, I left that job to open a small store in the basement of my home. I had no idea what I was doing, but nonetheless, I jumped in with both feet. Naming my shop “The Grapevine” seemed to be the most fitting and sentimental name, I didn’t even consider anything else actually. It’s a constant reminder of the little shop and the beloved person who unknowingly set me on my life’s path.

Over the next 15 years I slowly made big changes. Moving out of the basement into a brick and mortar location and then eventually expanding that space to almost double. While my floral design style is self taught it has been hugely influenced by those days spent with Ruby at the old Grapevine. Watching her create the most beautiful arrangements so easily and most times, using materials we foraged together was simply inspiring. My style has evolved over the years but I feel that I’ve nestled nicely into a style that is both unique and an expression of what I love. 

The expression “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” I beg to differ. Although I am doing exactly what I love and am passionate about, I do work harder than I ever imagined. I stress over running a business and some days I still feel like “what in the world am I doing?”, but most days I still know that I am doing exactly what I was meant to do. Working long hard hours on my feet, missing out on events and giving up a lot of personal time just come with the package of small business ownership.

Through the craziness I find small moments to reflect on how far my little shop has come and how much I’ve learned. One thing I’ve learned is to be proud of myself and proud of the shop I’ve created. I love it and hope you do too.